Day 14

Our gifts will be areas that do not drain us but energize us. Areas that leave us tired and drained are not likely to be areas in which we are gifted.

“Now about spiritual gifts … I do not want you to be ignorant.” —1 CORINTHIANS 12:1

Spiritual gifts are not something that grows on us after we have been a Christian for 20 years. The moment we become a Christian and surrender our lives to God, He has a vested interest in making us part of His working in our world. Part of that involves equipping us with spiritual gifts to work in interdependence with others who are gifted in different ways.

Here are a few questions that may help us determine where we are gifted: What are my natural gifts? God is our Creator before He is our Saviour. He formed us in our mother’s womb, and as the Apostle Paul said about God in Galatians 1:15, “He…set me apart from birth.” Our natural gifts become spiritual gifts as they are energized by the Holy Spirit.

What energizes me? Our gifts will be areas that do not drain us but energize us. Areas that leave us tired and drained are not likely to be areas in which we are gifted.

What serves need in the local body of my church? Spiritual gifts are not about my own well being and fulfillment, but to bring about benefit to others, and their value is measured in direct proportion to the benefit they are to other people.

How is the blessing of God seen on what I do?  If God has equipped us, there will be spiritual blessing which results from it.

What do others who know me well recognize in me? We are often the worst judges of our own strengths and weaknesses, but trustworthy friends can help us become more sure.

God is at work in us, to be at work through us, and motivated by love, exercising our gifts will bring great benefit to those around us. That is the goal.